Zamzam

Zamzam is a well located in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, near the Kaaba. It is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam.

According to Islamic tradition, the well sprang to life to provide water for Hajar (Hagar) and her infant son Ishmael when they were left in the desert by Abraham. The narrative is connected with Hajar’s search for water during her seven frantic circuits between the hills of Safa and Marwah, after which a spring appeared, later identified as Zamzam. The water is widely regarded as a sign of divine mercy and steadfast faith.

The Zamzam Well lies inside the mosque complex and is sheltered by a structure. Its water is associated with blessings, and pilgrims on Hajj and Umrah commonly drink from it and often take bottles of Zamzam back to their homes as a religious gift. The Saudi authorities oversee the well and the distribution of Zamzam water, which is bottled for domestic use and international export.

Over the centuries the site has been preserved and expanded, while retaining its sacred status. The name Zamzam is Arabic; its exact etymology is uncertain and various explanations exist.